Train Passengers Comfort with Regard to Whole-Body Vibration

A case study was conducted to evaluate passengers' comfort on the Tehran-Andimeshk train in Iran. Hence, based on a=0.05, 91 passengers were selected. Whole-body vibration transmitted to the passengers was measured according to ISO 2631-1-1997. The crest factors in the the majority of wagons were below the 19 dB according to ISO 2631-1-1997 hence, the equal acceleration levels of the wagons were taken into consideration. The statistical relationships between 15 psychological and physiological disorders with age, gender, number of the trips and Aeq (equivalent acceleration level) were studied based on the questionnaires. The results revealed no statistical relationships between the health symptoms and age. Conversely, there was a significant statistical relationship between fatigue and gender. Also, sleeplessness and hearing disorders bother the passengers during the trips based on statistical analysis. Moreover, there were statistical relationships between studying with headache and nausea with eating. In addition, despite all 15 symptoms bothering the passengers during the trips, there was only a significant statistical relationship between Aeq (equivalent acceleration level) and anger. Hence, more factors must be taken into consideration to find the other reasons of passengers discomfort during the trips.

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